Independent School District 196 features four high schools, all of which are bitter rivals, which should make this battle between Apple Valley and Rosemount a real treat.  

Apple Valley hopes to re-establish momentum after a 5-1 loss against Metro South. The Eagles are led at forward by sophomores Makayla Moran (12-4-16) and Avery Ryan (1-5-6). Senior Marie Moran (St. Cloud State commit, 4-6-10) and junior Molly Hentges (0-5-5) are used as hybrid players that spend time at forward and defense throughout the course of a game.  

On defense, freshman Lilli DeFauw (3-2-5) and sophomore Olivia Priester (0-2-2) can focus on being solid defensively, which is essential for a team that is a bit low in the number of players available. That also means staying out of the penalty box, a must for a team that's struggled to kill penalties (72.%) this season.

At goaltender, freshman Eleanor Carlson (4-1 record) is off to a strong start.  

Rosemount is hoping to build some momentum off a 5-1 win over fellow District 196 arch-rival Eagan on Saturday. The Irish are led up front by forwards, seniors Jessa Snippes (3-4-7) and Anna Shandorf (4-4-8), as well as sophomores Annalee Holzer (3-3-6) and Sophie Stramel (5-3-8). Rosemount's 38.9% power play has been a source of strength for the Irish early in the season.  

On defense, Rosemount's defense is young, as it's led by sophomore Zoe Juncker (0-3-3), freshman Madelyn Sundgren (0-2-2), and seventh grader Aubrey Finn (0-2-2). Fortunately, the Irish have good defensive support from their forwards, so they don't give up many prime scoring chances most nights.  

At goaltender, Rosemount has deployed sophomore Avery Miller (.940 save percentage), junior Natalie Kendhammer (.950 save percentage), and senior Laney Burton (.875 save percentage this season). Miller and Burton have logged the most minutes, so it will likely be one of them that gets the start against the Eagles.